The Knockout Queen battles the Empress of Speed for Pound-for-pound supremacy
Holly Holm takes on Anne Sophie Mathis in long-awaited showdown

Story and photos by Chris Cozzone

If you wanted to get just a teaser about how Anne Sophie Mathis is planning to usurp the pound-for-pound tiara from the brow of Holly Holm Friday night in Albuquerque, today’s final press conference was not the place to find out. Mathis’ lips were sealed.

“Do you have a game plan for dealing with Holm’s footwork and speed?” was the question, probably one she’s been bombarded with since arriving in the Duke City two weeks ago.

“Yes.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“No.”

On Friday, on a card promoted by Fresquez Productions and billed as “World Dominance,” Holm, 30-1-3, 9 KOs, and Mathis, 25-1, 21 KOs, of France, will go ten rounds for a pair of welterweight belts – WBAN’s select grade title and the IBA’s trinket – in a long-awaited showdown that should not only determine the best female welterweight on the planet but also the pound-for-pound champion of women’s boxing.

Though Mathis wasn’t talking, several gym rats who shall remain nameless let loose about seeing her train at the West Side’s Sigala’s Gym. While one says “Forget it – she’ll never catch Holly in the ring,” two others are convinced that if anyone has a chance to upset the long-reigning local star, it’s Mathis.

“She’s been cutting off the ring and she knows how to fight against a mover like Holly,” says one source.

“And she can punch,” says the third.

There’s no doubt about that. Twenty-one of Mathis’ 25 wins have ended early.

“Don’t expect to find Holly standing there, at the end of her punches,” Holm’s trainer, Mike Winkeljohn, assured Team Mathis. “You guys aren’t talking about a game plan, but we will We know she can punch. But we won’t be there. Holly is way too fast.”

Mathis, who spent the last two weeks running atop the Sandias to acclimate herself to the thin Albuquerque air, is in agreement: “Holly is fast, she’s intelligent, and I’m here to fight an intelligent fight. If the knockout comes, it comes.”

For years, the media has been relying on trainer Winkeljohn for spicing up a presser. At today’s event, he did not disappoint.

“France already has a reputation of surrendering,” he said. “Look for Holly to stop her if she doesn’t surrender.”

Despite her trainer’s repartee, Holm kept it light.

“This is probably the most important fight of my career,” said Holm, who got choked up while thanking her longtime promoter and longer-time trainer. “I’m not taking this lightly. This camp has been something different and I’m just happy for the opportunity I have to show that I’m still getting better.”

Calling Holm the best female fighter on the planet, Mathis showed equal respect, saying only that a win puts her in the No. 1 spot – with undefeated Cecelia Braekhus as the next target.

Should Mathis pull off the win, Fresquez Productions has the contractual right to a rematch. If Holm wins, Braekhus will, most likely, be next.

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